This epic paperback (the first of a trio), released as part of the 40 year anniversary of STAR TREK, is one of the best ST book's I've read. PROVENANCE OF SHADOWS follows Dr. Leonard McCoy's life, from the first five-year mission through his appearance in the films and the premiere episode of ST: TNG and beyond. It also tells of an alternate reality of what happens if he had stayed back in 1930's Depression Era Earth in that pivotal episode, THE EDGE OF FOREVER, in which Edith Keeler (Joan Collins) is killed. Author David R. George explores a certain aspect of McCoy which is has never really been explored - why he's never been able to sustain a relationship with a woman.

In the reality in which he is stuck in the past he creates a life for himself and eventually becomes a small town country doctor. But this is also a history in which Nazi Germany has virtually taken over the world.

Eventually these two tales of McCoy cross and the author manages to pull it off in a surprising, satisfactory way which I'm sure Trekkies will love. It's very much faithful to the character.

I believe the next two books to come out in this epic story concern Kirk and Spock.